Robert Matthews

Science writer

After studying physics at Oxford, Robert became a science writer. He’s visiting professor in science at Aston University.

Recent articles by Robert Matthews

Why is the sky blue? © Getty Images

Why is the sky blue?

How does water evaporate without boiling? © Getty Images

Everyday science

How does water evaporate without boiling?

Trainor_large

From microbiome to mental health The second brain in your gut

Is there any hope of curing diabetes? © Getty Images

Is there any hope of curing diabetes?

What would you see if you could travel at the speed of light? © Getty Images

Everyday science

Why does light travel faster than sound?

What’s the most abundant particle in the Universe? © Getty Images

What’s the most abundant particle in the Universe?

Blue glowing multidimensional object in space, computer generated abstract background, 3D rendering

Everyday science

Is there a fourth dimension?

Why can’t we fly planes into space? © Getty Images

Why can’t we fly planes into space?

How is sound created when two objects collide? © Getty Images

Everyday science

How is sound created when two objects collide?

Why does a little bit of moisture make your hands sticky, but a large amount makes them slippery? © Dan Bright

Everyday science

Why does a little bit of moisture make your hands sticky, but a large amount makes them slippery?

Where does the colour go when a material fades in the Sun? © Getty Images

Everyday science

Where does the colour go when a material fades in the Sun?

My mum always beats me at Monopoly and insists on doing an embarrassing ‘victory twerk’. How can I win? © Dan Bright

Everyday science

My mum always beats me at Monopoly and insists on doing an embarrassing ‘victory twerk’. How can I win?

Why does blowing hard on our hands cool them, but just breathing on them warm them? © Getty Images

Everyday science

Why does blowing hard on our hands cool them, but just breathing on them warm them?

Is there any objective evidence of more bad luck on Friday the 13th? © Getty Images

Everyday science

Is there any objective evidence of more bad luck on Friday the 13th?

Does sound travel further on foggy days? © Getty Images

Everyday science

Does sound travel further on foggy days?